Swalwell was first elected to city council in Dublin in 2010. Two years later, he was elected to congress, beating 20 term incumbent, Pete Stark.

Rep. Swalwell is now one of 18 democrats running in a crowded primary field.

"I think he's going to have to do something different than the other candidates. He's going to have to figure out a way to stand out," said Kimberly Dorsey, who lives in Castro Valley and met Swalwell when he was running to represent California's 15th district, in the East Bay. "I like that he's hands on with the community."

Chad Bayless has lived in Livermore his whole life and doesn't think his congressman has enough name or policy recognition.

"I've heard of him, I know he's represented the area, but I don't know a lot about his politics exactly."